Flushing device for water-closets or other fixtures.



2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED MAY 16, 1905.

P. H. MASON.

FLUSHING DEVICE FOR WATER ULOSETS OR OTHER FIXTURES.

APPLICATION FILED MAB.11, 1903.

E www. i

No. 789,926. E PATENTED MAY 16, 1905.

F. H. MASON.

FLUSHING DEVICE POR WATER OLOSETS OR OTHER FIXTURES.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR.11, 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

IN VEN TOR.

Nimah STATES Patented may 16, 1905.

FLUSHING DEVICE FOR WATER-CLOSETS OR OTHER FIXTURES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 789,926, dated. May 16, 1905*.

Application iiled March 11, 1903. Serial N0- 147,261.

To {1J/, whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERIC H. MASON, a citizen of the United States, residing in Spokane, in the county of Spokane and State of Vashington, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Flushing Devices for Water- (llosets or other Fixtures, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to iiushing-tanks or devices for water-closets and other fixtures.

The object of my invention is to provide an automatic and noiseless flushing device for water-closets which will be simple, eiiicient, and durable in construction, in which the flushing-tank will remain normally empty and fill silently and rapidly and only to the required height or depth, which will afford the customary afterwash, refill; or seal, and which will operate easily and with certainty under high or low pressure, so that a very young child can operate it, and which can be applied to ordinary-sized supply-pipes of existing fixtures without change.

My invention consists in the means I employ to practically accomplish this important object or result-that is to say, it consists, in connection with the bowl of a water-closet or other fixture, of a flushing-tank having a iioat therein, a discharge-valve, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the fluid-pressure and provided with a fiuid pressure and iow regulating device to cause the same to open and close easily and noiselessly without chattering, operating mechanism to close the discharge-valve and open the inlet-valve to cause i the flushing-tank, which remains normally empty, to fill, and a releasing' device or trigger interposed in the operating mechanism and connected to and operated by the ioat to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close whenV My invention also consists in the novel construction of parts and devices and in the novel combinations of parts and devices herein shown and described.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, Figure l is a central vertical section of a flushing apparatus or device embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of the discharge-valve. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line 3 3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a section on line 4 4 of Fig. 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are detail sections on lines 5 5 and 6 6, respectively, of Fig. 4.

In the drawings, A represents the bowl of a water-closet or other fixture; B, the flushing-tank; C, the float; O', the iioat-lever; D, the inlet-valve; D D2, the valve-shell therefor; F, the discharge-valve, and Fl the shell therefor.

G is a connection fitting or pipe connecting the inlet-valve shell D, fiushing-tank B, and the shell F of the discharge-valve F.

H is the connection or pipe connecting the discharge-valve shell F with the iiushingtank B and the overflow-pipe I-I' therein.

The connection'or pipe Gr has an end g projecting into the flushing-tank B sufciently above the bottom thereofl to supply the required afterwash, refill, or seal to the bowl A after the flushing operation. This projecting end g of the pipe G is furnished with small holes or openings g', through which the afterwash or refill water flows.

'Ihe inlet-valve D opens against the fluidpressure and closes with it against the valveseat CZ on the valve-shell D'. To cause the valveD to open and close easily and noiselessly and with certainty under high or low iiuidpressure, it is furnished with a fiuid flow and pressure regulating device, consisting, preferably, of two pair of telescoping shells CZ' Z2 and @Z3 di, the shells d Z2 each having coacting inlet-openings @Z5 at their middle portions, one shell of each pair being stationary and connected to the valve-shell D and the other shell of each pair being movable and connected to the valve D. The stationary shell CZ of the upper pair surrounds and incloses the valve-seat d, so that the water flowing through l the valve-opening into the tank passes through 1 Oo both of the upper pair of shells. The inner or movable shell Z2 of the upper pair is provided with openings or passages Z6 for the water. The movable shells Z2 ili are connected together by a connecting-rod 27, extending between the cross-bars Z8 and d, which are attached to said shells Z2 and d", respectively. The shell ZIl is slotted vertically to permit the bar Z9 to move up and down. The outer` upper stationary shell Z is provided with a removable or screw-threaded head d10, closing its lower end, and the lower stationary shell Z3 is removably attached to this head Z10 by screw-threads. The lower end of the lower movable shell Z4 is closed by the removable or screw-threaded head du, having a small 4hole or passage X12 therein for the water. A

spring Z13 is preferably interposed between the lower end or head of the stationary shell Z3 and the movable shell d2. This spring will supplement the water or fluid pressure in closing the valve when the flushing-tank is filled and will counterpoise the weight of the water above the valve.

The valve D is provided with a metallic head D3 for engagement with the device or lever which opens the valve. The dischargevalveF has an operating rod or stem f for closing it, which may be engaged by an arm on the seat A to close the discharge-valve. A spring f', bearing against a collar f2 on the stem f and a cross-bar f3, attached to the shell F', holds the valve F normally open and the seat Al slightly raised.

The valve D is preferably operated by a lever D", having an antifriction wheel or roller D5 to engage the metallic head D3 on the valve, said lever being pivoted to a bracket or arm g2, secured to or made integral with the pipe or fitting G. This lever D4 is preferably operated by an extension f4 of the stem f of the discharge-Valve F, said extension f4 having a sliding connection with a hollow connecting-rod D, which is pivotally connected with the lever D4. The connecting rod or eX- tension f4 is furnished with a pair of wings or projections f5, and there is interposed be-v tween the telescopic or sliding members f4 and DG a releasing device or trigger M, which is connected with the fioat and operated thereby, which has the function when moved or operated by the float of permitting the two sliding or telescoping members fA1 D6 of the inlet-valve-operating mechanism to slide or telescope in respect to each other, and thus automatically permit the inlet-valve to close when the tank fills to the required height. This trigger or releasing device may be of any suitable form or construction adapted to perform this function; but it preferably consists, as illustrated in the drawings, of a rotatable hollow rod, thimble, or sleeve M, having slots or notches m in its front en d M to receive the wings or projections f on the stem f* when said sleeve or thimble M is slightly turned or moved by the fioat to bring said slots m into registry with the wings fr. The releasing device or trigger M has a rotatable and non-sliding connection with the sleeve or rod D6 and a sliding or telescoping connection with the stem f4. This releasing device or sleeve M may thus be rotatably connected with the part D6 by a set-screw m', which fits in an annular channel m2 in the part D6. The releasing device M is also provided with an internal flange or shoulder m3 for the end of the rod or sleeve D6 to abut against. The rotatable releasing device M is furnished with an operating-arm mi, connected by a link m5 with the float-lever C', which is provided with collars C2 C2 for keeping the link in position on the lever. The float-lever C is pivotally connected to the tank at C3.

The shells or fittings D D2 G F H and the coupling N to the fixture or bowl are all preferably removably connected together by the customary screw-threads and nipples, as illustrated in the drawings.

The valve-seatf6 of the valve F may preferably be formed on a projecting screwthreaded boss g3 on the fitting G. p

In operation the valve F is first closed by depression of the seat A', and at the same time the valve D is opened by the wings f5 striking against the end of the releasing device M, and the valve D is thus held open until the tank B fills to the,required height, when the float moves or trips the releasing device, and thus permits the two sliding members f4 and D6 of the inlet-valve-operating mechanism to slide or telescope in respect to each other and the inlet-valve D to close under action of the Huid-pressure. The flushing-tank, which, as before stated, remains normally empty, is thus filled with water to the required depth to properly flush the closet, which flushing action takes place automatically the instant the seat A/ is released, so that the spring f can open the discharge-valve F. The small discharge-openings g in the fitting G supply the required afterwash or refill to the closetbowl after the flushing operation is completed.

The inlet-valve D is easily opened by acomparatively small weight on the seat A by reason of the Huid pressure and fiow regulating shells connected with the valve- D, which also cause said valve to open and close steadily and without chattering. This also prevents any sudden gushing, gurgling, or hissing movement. The connection or fitting G between the tank B and the inlet-valve shell and between the tank B andthe dischargevalve shell Fl is of comparatively large diameter or capacity, so that the water may flow rapidly and quickly, fill the flushing-tank B, and suddenly discharge and properly fiush the closet, and so that both of these actions or operations will be performed noiselessly and without any disagreeable gurgling move- IOO ment. After the releasing device is turned or moved by the float and the inlet-valve thus permitted to automatically close as soon as the water is discharged from the flushingtanl to flush the bowl and the float thus permitted to descend its weight and that of the float-lever and connecting-link will automatically return the releasing device into its normal position, so that the'wings f5 will at the next operation ot' the closet again properly engage the end of the releasing device and through it operate to open the inlet-valve.l

In my invention it will be observed that the llushing-tank and all connections remain normally completely empty, which adds to the durability ot' the parts and also specially adapts my improved closet or flushing device for use in exposed positions where there is liability to freezing.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while in the drawings I have illustrated my invention in a form wherein the inlet-valve is located close to the closet-bowl the inlet-valve may, if desired, be located at a distance below the closet-bowl or below a normal freezing-point. 1t will also be understood by those skilled in the art that while in the drawings I have illustrated my invention as applied to a low-down flushingtank or one located close to the closet-bowl and the inlet-valve arranged in an upright or vertical position, which is the preferred construction to economize room for roughing in, these parts may be differently located and arranged, if desired.

rlhe lower stationary shell (Z3 may preferably have a rubber or elastic pad d at its lower end, which may be compressed more or less by the cap d1 and adjusting-screw du to vary the passage-way or space between itself and the surrounding movable shell di, and thus regulate the freedom of movement of the shell CZ* and of the attached shell @Z2 and valve D, as may be required, according to the hydrant or street pressure of the water supply.

l claim-- l. In a water-closet the combination with the bowl, of a flushing-tank, a float and floatlever therein, a discharge-valve, an inlet-valve having a pair ot' iluid pressure and flow regulating shells Jfurnished each with an inletopening at its middle side portion, one secured to the valve-shell and inclosing the valve-seat and the other connected with the valve Vand movable therewith, and a releasing device operated by the float to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank lills to the required height, substantially as specitied.

2. The combination with a flushing-tank, of a iioat, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the Huid-pressure, a dischargevalve, operating mechanism for closing the discharge-valve and opening the inlet-valve, and a releasing device connected to and operated by the float to permit the inlet-valve to close when the tank lills to the required height, said releasing device being in a connection between the discharge-valve and inlet-valve, substantially as specified.

3. The combination with a flushing-tank, of a iloat, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the Huid-pressure, a dischargevalve, operating mechanism Jfor closing the discharge-valve and opening the inlet-valve, having a two-part sliding or telescoping connection between said discharge-valve and said inlet-valve, and a rotatable releasing device connected to and operated by the float to permit the inlet-valve to close when the' tank fills to the required height, said releasing device being in' said two-part sliding or telescoping connection between the discharge-valve and the inlet-valve, substantially as specified.

4. rlhe combination with a flushing-tank, ot' a float, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the Huid-pressure, and provided with fluid pressure and How regulating shells, a discharge-valve, operating mechanism for opening the inlet-valve having two sliding or telescoping members, and an interposed releasing device connected to and operated by the float, substantially as specified.

5. The combination with a liushing-tank, of a float, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the fluid-pressure, and provided with Huid pressure and flow regulating shells, a discharge-valve, operating mechanism for opening the inlet-valve having two sliding or telescoping members, and an interposed releasing device connected to and operat-ed by the float, and mechanism for closing the discharge-valve, substantially as specied.

6. rlhe combination with a iushing-tank, of a float, an inlet-valve opening against and closing with the fluid-pressure, and provided with liuid pressure and flow regulating shells, a discharge-valve, operating mechanism for opening the inlet-valve having two sliding or telescoping members, and an interposed releasing device connected to and operated by the float, and mechanism for closing the discharge-valve comprising a hinged seat, an arm thereon, and a valve-stem, substantially as specified.

7. The combination with a flushing-tank, ot' 'a tloat, an inlet-valve, a discharge-valve, two sliding or telescoping connecting members between the discharge-valve and inletvalve, a rotatable releasing device connected with and operated by the float, one oi' said connecting members having wings and said releasing device having notches to receive said wings, substantially as specified.

8. The combination with a flushing-tank, of a float, an inlet-valve, a discharge-valve having a stem extension f4 provided with wings IOO IIO

f5, a hollow connecting-rod D6 and a rotary releasing device M having slots or notches in its end to receive said wings, substantially as Specified.

9. In a water-closet the combination with the bowl, of a flushing-tank, a lloat and floatlever therein, a discharge-valve, an inlet-valve having two pair of fluid pressure and flow regulating' shells the upper pair furnished each with an inlet-opening at its middle side portion, one secured to the valve-shell and inclosing the valve-seat and the other connected with the valve and movable therewith, and a releasing device operated by the float to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank fills to the required height, substantially as specified.

10. The combination in a flushing device, of an inlet-valve provided with two pair of' shells forming fluid pressure and flow and pressureclosing compartments, a discharge valve, mechanism for simultaneously closing the discharge-valve and opening the inlet-valve, fittings or shells connected to and uniting' the supply-pipe, flushing-tank and closet and inclosing said valves, and operating mechanism for said valves provided with a releasing device and a float and fioat-lever within the flushing-tank and connected to said releasing device to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank has been filled to the required height, substantially as specified.

11. The combination with a normally empty flushing-tank, of a-dischargevalve, an inletvalve, a float, mechanism for operating said valves and a releasing device connected to and operated by the float, said operating mechanism comprising two sliding or telescoping parts which are permitted to slide or telescope in respect to each other by the tripping' or moving of the releasing device, substantially as specified.

12. The combination with a flushing device, of' an inlet-valve provided with two pair of' shells forming fluid pressure and flow and pressure-closing compartments, a dischargevalve, mechanism for simultaneously closing the discharg'e-valve and opening the inletvalve, fittings or shells connected to and uniting the supply-pipe, ushing-tank and closet and inclosing said valves, and operating mechanism for said valves provided with a releasing device and a float and float-lever within the flushing-tank and connected to said releasing device to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank has been filled to the required height, said inletvalve being provided with a fiuid pressure and ov regulating device, substantially as speci- 13. The combination with a flushing device, of an inlet-valve provided with two pair of' shells forming fluid pressure and flow and pressure-closing compartments, a dischargevalve, mechanism for simultaneously closing the discharge-valve and opening the inletvalve, fittings or shells connected to and uniting the supply-pipe, flushing-tank and closet and inclosing said valves, and operating mechanism for said valves provided with a releasing device-and a float and float-lever within the flushing-tank and connected to said releasing device to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank habeen' filled to the required height, said inlets valve being provided with a fluid pressure and fiow regulating device, comprising two pair of telescoping shells, substantially as specified.

14. rlhe combination in a flushing device, of an inlet-valve provided with two pair of shells forming fluid pressure and ow and pressureclosing compartments, a discharge valve, mechanism for simultaneously closing the discharge-valve and opening the inlet-valve, fittings or shells connected to and uniting the supply-pipe, flushing-tank and closet and inclosing said valves, and operating mechanism for said valves provided with a releasing device and a float and float-lever within the fiushing-tankand connected to said releasing device to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the flushing-tank has been filled to the required height, said inlet-valve being provided with a fluid pressure and flow regulating device, comprising two pair of telescoping shells, the upper pair of said telescoping shells one of' which is movable with the valve having a spring interposed between them, substantially as specified.

15. In a water-closet the combination with the bowl, of a flushing-tank, a float and floatlever therein, a discharge valve, an inletvalve having two pairs of fluid pressure and flow regulating shells, the upper pair furnished each with an inlet-opening at its middle side portion, one secured to the valveshell and inclosing the valve-seat and the other connected with the valve and movable therewith, and a releasing device operated by the float to permit the inlet-valve to automatically close when the fiushing-tank fills to the required height, one of the shells of the lower pair having an adjustable elastic pad to regulate the water-passage between itself and the other shell of said pair, substantially as specified.

'16. The combination with a flushing-tank, of a oat, an` inlet-valve, a discharge-valve having a stem extension fL provided with wings f5, a hollow connecting-rod DG and a rotary releasing device M having slots or notches in its end to receive said wings, the discharge-valve having a stem furnished with a spring for holding said valve normally open, substantially as specified.

17. The combination with a liushing-tank,

of a oat, an inlet-valve, a discharge-valve having a stem extension fi provided with Wings f5, a hollow connecting-rod D and a rotary releasing device M having slots' 0r notches in its end to receive said Wings, the discharge-Valve having a stern 'furnished with a spring for holding said valve normally open,

and seat and an arm on the seat engaging said Valve-stem, substantially as specified.

FREDERIC H. MASON.

Witnesses:

EDMUND ADCOCK, H. M. MUNDAY. 

